New Tampa Museum Arises

It's called a 'topping-off' ceremony, a celebration of the final beam being lifted onto the museum's steel skeleton. Local dignitaries were invited to sign the steel beam and watch as a pine tree was hoisted atop the structure. Onlookers were told it's part of an ancient Scandinavian tradition that has survived into modern times.

The new museum is being built in Curtis Hixon Park, with a view of the minarets of the University of Tampa across the Hillsborough River. The museum's architect, South African-born Stanley Saitowitz, who expressed hope the new museum will re-invigorate downtown. The first building to be constructed is 66,000 square feet, and cost more than $26 million. Much of the money will come from the City of Tampa's share of the Community Investment Tax.